vanderbilt university phd in computer science

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Vanderbilt University PhD in Computer Science

Computer Science is a concentration offered under the computer science major at Vanderbilt University. Here, you’ll find out more about the major doctor’s degree program in computer science, including such details as the number of graduates, diversity of students, and more.

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• Graduate Cost
• Online Learning
• Student Diversity

Featured Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

AS in Computer Science

Learn the applied programming skills needed to fill in-demand tech roles when you earn your online AS in Computer Science at Southern New Hampshire University.

BS in Computer Science

Learn the front-end design and back-end development skills employers look for in full stack software developers with this online bachelor's degree in computer science from Southern New Hampshire University.

BS in Computer Science - Software Engineering

With a software engineering degree, you'll learn the fundamental concepts and principles – a systematic approach used to develop software on time, on budget and within specifications – throughout your online college classes at SNHU.

How Much Does a Doctorate in Computer Science from Vanderbilt Cost?

Vanderbilt graduate tuition and fees.

In 2019-2020, the average part-time graduate tuition at Vanderbilt was $2,087 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. Information about average full-time graduate student tuition and fees is shown in the table below.

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to <nil> that might interest you.

MS in Information Technology - Software Application Development

Learn to manage the development process for a software program with this specialized online master's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Does Vanderbilt Offer an Online PhD in Computer Science?

Online degrees for the Vanderbilt computer science doctor’s degree program are not available at this time. To see if the school offers distance learning options in other areas, visit the Vanderbilt Online Learning page.

Vanderbilt Doctorate Student Diversity for Computer Science

Male-to-female ratio.

Of the students who received their doctor’s degree in computer science in 2019-2020, 18.2% of them were women. This is about the same as the countrywide number of 19.1%.

Racial-Ethnic Diversity

Racial-ethnic minority graduates* made up 9.1% of the computer science doctor’s degrees at Vanderbilt in 2019-2020. This is about the same as the nationwide number of 10%.

*The racial-ethnic minorities count is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students, international students, and students whose race/ethnicity was unknown. This number is then divided by the total number of students at the school to obtain the racial-ethnic minorities percentage.

• National Center for Education Statistics
• O*NET Online

More about our data sources and methodologies .

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• How to Apply

Making the decision to apply for a graduate degree program is complex. We want to make the application process as simple as possible by providing all the resources you need, when you need them.

Applications are open August 15 – January 15.

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Vanderbilt Professional School Graduate Degrees

For degrees that are offered by the Graduate School – Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.F.A. in Creative Writing, and M.L.A.S. – you must apply directly to the Graduate School. Applicants with bachelor’s or comparable non-U.S. degrees may use the same application.

For discipline-specific programs offered at a school or college that grant their degrees independently (i.e. M.Ed. from the Peabody College of Education and Human Development), begin by searching for the program on the main university program finder and navigating to the admissions page of the professional school where your intended degree is housed.   

College of Arts and Science Pre-major Academic Advising Resources Center

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Computer Science

Over the past few years, we've noticed increasing interest among our advisees in taking Computer Science courses. As an A&S student, you are free to take classes offered by the other colleges (Engineering, Peabody, Blair). You can even choose to add on a major or minor offered by one of the other schools.

For full information regarding adding a second major or a minor in Computer Science, visit the CS department's  website . 

The following is a guide specifically for A&S students to the introductory computer science courses offered by VUSE.

Importance of Computing 

Computer programming is required for numerous upper-level courses in A&S, recommended or required for certain majors and minor in A&S, a prerequisite for many research experiences (for immersion and beyond), and a foundational skill in many future careers and areas of post-graduate education. Computation is used in nearly every A&S discipline in some way, in the humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences.

CS / DS 1100 Applied Programming and Problem Solving with Python.  Foundations of computing using Python. Programming fundamentals. Designing, debugging, running programs. Scalar, vector, and matrix computations for scientific computing and data science. Numeric and text processing. Basic data visualization techniques. Intended for students other than computer science and computer engineering majors. FALL, SPRING. [3]

Who is it for? CS / DS 1100 is designed as a one-semester introductory programming course in Python for students interested in data science (and possibly completing the Data Science minor). Students in A&S should enroll in DS 1100 (rather than CS 1100) if they want this course to count towards A&S credit hours. CS / DS 1100 is not recommended for students who may want to major or minor in Computer Science.

CS 1101 .  Programming and Problem Solving . An intensive introduction to algorithm development and problem solving on the computer. Structured problem definition, top down and modular algorithm design. Running, debugging, and testing programs. Program documentation. FALL, SPRING. [3] 

Who is it for?  This course is intended for first years and sophomores who plan to minor or double-major in Computer Science. It is also appropriate for juniors and seniors who would like to take one or two programming courses before graduation. Through this course, students will learn the Java language and complete many programming assignments throughout the semester. CS 1101 teaches the fundamentals of coding in Java and helps prepare students for CS 2201, which is a data structures class taught in C++. No prior computing experience is expected.

CS 1103. Introductory Programming for Engineers and Scientists.  Problem solving on the computer. Intended for students other than computer science and computer engineering majors. Methods for designing programs to solve engineering and science problems using MATLAB. Generic programming concepts. FALL, SPRING. [3] 

Who is it for?  This course is NOT for students interested in taking more than one computer science course, majoring or minoring in Computer Science, minoring in Data Science, or minoring in Scientific Computing. Students interested in computationally-oriented coursework, research, and immersion in A&S are encouraged to take CS / DS 1100 or CS 1101. This course is taught in MATLAB, which is a numerical computing environment and programming language, typically used for expressing solutions in mathematical notation. No prior computing experience is expected.

Vanderbilt to establish a college dedicated to computing, AI and data science

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Mar 25, 2024, 11:20 AM

Vanderbilt has begun work to establish a transformative college dedicated to computer science, AI, data science and related fields, university leaders announced today. In addition to meeting the growing demand for degrees in technological fields and advancing research in rapidly evolving, computing-related disciplines, the new, interdisciplinary college will collaborate with all of Vanderbilt’s schools and colleges to advance breakthrough discoveries and strengthen computing education through a “computing for all” approach.

The College of Connected Computing will be led by a new dean, who will report to Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver and to School of Engineering Dean Krishnendu “Krish” Roy. The search for the college’s dean is scheduled to begin in late August, and recruiting of faculty will begin in the coming months. It will be the first new college at Vanderbilt since the university and the Blair School of Music merged in 1981.

“Of all the factors shaping society, few are more influential than the rapid emergence of advanced computing, AI and data science,” Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. “To continue to carry out our mission, prepare all our students for their careers and advance research across the university, Vanderbilt must contribute even more to the study, understanding and innovative application of these fast-changing disciplines. Our aim is to make Vanderbilt a global leader in these fields, ensuring our continued academic excellence and capacity for world-changing innovation.”

“Our new college will enable us to build upon our strong programs and catapult Vanderbilt to the forefront of breakthrough discovery and innovation—in key areas of computer science and also in a wide range of other disciplines that capitalize on advanced computational methods. In launching this new college, we will provide students with highest-caliber educational opportunities at the intersection of these pathbreaking fields,” Raver said. “The creation of this college represents a tremendous win and will be transformative for our entire university community.”

Raver noted the ways that Vanderbilt is forging a bold and distinct strategic path to address burgeoning research and educational opportunities, including increasing demand for expertise in computing-related fields. Moreover, she said, the global interest in AI “aligns perfectly” with Vanderbilt’s leading work in that field. She said a dedicated college will enable Vanderbilt to keep making groundbreaking discoveries at the intersections of computing and other disciplines and will more effectively leverage advanced computing to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.

“The establishment of this interdisciplinary, ‘cross-cutting’ college is a watershed moment—not only for the School of Engineering, but also for the entire university,” Roy said. “The future of education, research and thinking in all disciplines is now inherently tied to, and will be greatly influenced by, the knowledge and power of computing. The idea of ‘computing for all’ is fundamental to the future of learning.”  

Many of the specific details about the college—including its departments, degree programs and research infrastructure—will be informed by the recommendations of a task force on connected computing composed of faculty from across the university. In addition, Vice Provost for Research and Innovation Padma Raghavan will launch a Computing Catalyst working group that will engage faculty and staff leaders in computing from across campus and solicit their input on strategically expanding the university’s computing resources. “The decision to establish this new college is rooted in conversations with faculty,” Raver said. “We are continuing that faculty engagement with this working group, and we’re fortunate to have the advice of some of the best minds in these fields as we embark on this exciting journey.”   

The members of the Connected Computing Task Force include:

Krishnendu Roy , Chair   Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering  University Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology; and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering        

Douglas Adams   Vice Dean of the School of Engineering   Daniel F. Flowers Chair Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering  Professor of Mechanical Engineering  Faculty Affiliate, VINSE        

Hiba Baroud   Associate Chair and Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering James and Alice B. Clark Foundation Faculty Fellow Associate Professor of Computer Science  Faculty Affiliate, VECTOR , Data Science Institute         

Gautam Biswas   Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering Professor of Engineering Management  Senior Research Scientist, ISIS   Faculty Affiliate, Data Science Institute        

Erin Calipari   Associate Professor of Pharmacology  Associate Professor of  Molecular Physiology & Biophysics Associate Professor of  Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Director, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research  Faculty Affiliate, Vanderbilt Brain Institute        

Laurie Cutting   Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor and Professor of Special Education  Professor of Psychology Professor of Pediatrics Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor of Radiology & Radiological Sciences Associate Provost in the Office of the Vice Provost of Research and Innovation Associate Director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center  Faculty Affiliate, Vanderbilt Brain Institute        

Benoit Dawant   Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Electrical Engineering Incoming Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering  Director and Steering Committee Chair, Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery & Engineering  Professor of Biomedical Engineering Professor of Computer Science      

Abhishek Dubey   Associate Professor of Computer Science  Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering  Director, SCOPE lab at ISIS   Faculty Affiliate, Institute for Software Integrated Systems and Data Science Institute         

Bennett Landman   Stevenson Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering  Professor of Biomedical Engineering Professor of Computer Science Professor of Neurology Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Associate Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences Faculty Affiliate, Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) , Vanderbilt Brain Institute , Vanderbilt Kennedy Center , Vanderbilt University Institute of Image Science (VUIIS) , Data Science Institute         

Michael Matheny   Professor of Biomedical Informatics  Professor of Biostatistics Professor of Medicine Director, Center for Improving the Public’s Health Through Informatics        

Sandeep Neema   Professor of Computer Science  Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering  Chair of the Executive Council, Institute for Software Integrated Systems         

Ipek Oguz   Assistant Professor of Computer Science  Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering  Faculty Affiliate, Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE)         

J.B. Ruhl   David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair of Law  Director, Program in Law and Innovation   Co-Director, Energy, Environment and Land Use Program   Faculty Affiliate, Data Science Institute         

Jesse Spencer-Smith     Professor of the Practice of Computer Science  Adjunct Professor of Psychology Interim Director and Chief Data Scientist, Data Science Institute         

Jonathan Sprinkle   Professor of Computer Science  Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering  Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering  Faculty Affiliate, Institute for Software Integrated Systems         

Yuankai “Kenny” Tao   Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering  Associate Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences  SPIE Faculty Fellow in Engineering Faculty Affiliate, Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery & Engineering        

Holly Tucker   Mellon Foundation Chair in the Humanities Professor of French  Director, Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities         

Kalman Varga   Vice Chair of the Department of Physics & Astronomy Professor of Physics  Director, Minor in Scientific Computing  Faculty Affiliate, VINSE        

Steven Wernke   Chair of the Department of Anthropology Associate Professor of Anthropology  Director, Vanderbilt Institute for Spatial Research (VISR) Faculty Affiliate, Data Science Institute    

Jules White Professor of Computer Science  Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics  Senior Advisor to the Chancellor for Generative AI in Education and Enterprise Solutions  Faculty Affiliate, Institute for Software Integrated Systems , Data Science Institute         

Dan Work   Director of Graduate Studies in Civil Engineering Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering  Professor of Computer Science  Faculty Affiliate, VECTOR , Institute for Software Integrated Systems , Data Science Institute           

Tracey George   ex officio   Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professional Education  Charles B. Cox III and Lucy D. Cox Family Chair in Law and Liberty  Professor of Law       

Tiffiny Tung   Ex officio   Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education  Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in the Social and Natural Sciences Professor of Anthropology   

  Members of the Vanderbilt community can learn more about this initiative and share feedback with the faculty working group by visiting vanderbilt.edu/about/computingtaskforce .  

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Vanderbilt University is a selective research institution that upholds high admissions standards for its online engineering programs. To learn how you can apply to either the master of engineering (M.Eng.) in engineering management program or master of science (M.S.) in computer science program, view our application requirements .

Application Requirements View Deadlines

Application Requirements

To apply to one of our Vanderbilt Engineering Online programs, you will need to submit a number of items prior to the final application deadline. Both the M.S. in computer science and M.Eng. in engineering management programs require the following application items:

• Online Application
• Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose: One required statement of purpose
• Letters of Recommendation:  Three are required
• No application fee  is required
• No GRE scores are required to apply.  However, you may submit them if you feel it would strengthen your application. Scores can be sent using GRE institution code 1871.

International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Applicants page for detailed information regarding international admissions requirements. 

Receive Personalized Support: Email us at [email protected] or  [email protected] 

Submitting transcripts.

Unofficial transcripts from your previously attended colleges or universities are required to apply to Vanderbilt Engineering Online programs. These are needed for the admissions committee to review your application and make an admissions decision. If you are admitted, you will need to provide official copies of your transcripts prior to the start of classes. International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Applicants page for more information regarding submitting transcripts.

Official transcripts should be mailed directly from your institutions’ registrar’s office. Have official transcripts mailed to:

CDM PMB 407833 2301 Vanderbilt Place Nashville, TN 37240-7833 United States of America

Please note: To be considered an official transcript, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s), through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution, or delivered in the original sealed envelope from the institution(s). 

Institutions that use electronic transcript services can send your official transcript to [email protected] .

Statement of Purpose

To apply to one of our programs, you are required to write a statement of purpose in response to the following prompt:

In a brief statement, outline your reasons for undertaking graduate study, your future plans, and any additional information that may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your relevant experiences and aptitude for graduate study at Vanderbilt University.

Read 4 quick tips for writing your Statement of Purpose.

Admission Qualifications

M.S. in computer science: To qualify for admission to the online master’s in computer science program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in computing, or a computing-related field in engineering or natural science, or hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject but have significant experience in computer science and programming.

Students are expected to have strong programming experience. Experience in at least one of the following computing languages is suggested: Java, JavaScript, Python, C++, Objective C, Swift, C#, Kotlin, Clojure, Ruby, Haskell or Scala.

If interested, prospective students can gauge their programming readiness and aptitude by completing a self-assessment exercise .

To learn more about the computer science program and admissions requirements, contact our admissions team at [email protected].

M.Eng. in engineering management: To qualify for admission to the online master’s in engineering management program, you must hold an undergraduate degree in a STEM field, and it is preferred that you have at least two years of professional experience in a relevant position.

To learn more about the engineering management program and admissions requirements, contact our admissions team at [email protected].

Application Deadlines

Vanderbilt Engineering Online programs have rolling admissions with three cohort start dates each year for both the M.S. in computer science and the M.Eng. in engineering management online programs.

Upcoming Deadlines

Academic Year 2024

Ready to Apply? Begin Your Application Today

M.Eng. in Engineering Management Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $2,349 per credit. The M.Eng. in engineering management program consists of 30 credits, so you can expect to pay at least $70,470 in total tuition.* 

*Tuition rates are set by the Board of Trust for the academic year and are subject to change.  Please visit https://www.vanderbilt.edu/stuaccts/fees/index.php to learn more.

Domestic students may be eligible for a Vanderbilt University program scholarship of up to $20,000.

Students located in the U.S. are required to attend one convening on Vanderbilt's campus in Nashville, TN, during the fall semester of their first year in the program. Domestic students will be responsible for the $800 program fee, which will be billed by the university and eligible for financial aid. Associated travel and accommodation expenses are not included in this fee. International students who are located outside of the U.S. are not required to attend this on-campus convening, but have the opportunity to attend if they choose. Visit the International Applicants page for more details about in-person learning opportunities for international students.

Additional fees for U.S. students include:

• One-time transcript fee | $100
• Online Student Health Fee | $374/annually*
• Online Student Services Fee | $198/annually*
• Student Health Insurance Fee | $3,928/annually** 

*The Vanderbilt Online Student Services & Student Health Fees was effective beginning the academic year 2022-2023 (August 2022). All students registered in an online degree program are assessed the Online Student Services & Student Health Fees, which are set by the Vanderbilt Board of Trust and billed through the Office of Student Accounts. These fees are mandatory and cannot be removed or waived. The Online Student Services & Student Health Fees provide financial support, based on the University’s needs, for student co-curricular interests, programs, and student support services and resources, including the expansion of resources and services in support of student health and wellbeing.

**The student health insurance fee may be waived with proof of coverage. The rate currently shown is for 2024-2025.

International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Applicants page for more details regarding fees and tuition payments.

Financial Aid

There are a number of ways you may consider funding your Vanderbilt Engineering Online graduate degree program. These may include employer tuition assistance or reimbursement, scholarships, federal student aid or private student loans.

Domestic students may be eligible to apply for the following student loans: 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans:  Most graduate-level students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year. This federal loan does not require you to demonstrate financial need and is not income-based.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan:  Graduate students can apply for this credit-based federal loan in addition to the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. If approved, the Graduate PLUS Loan can be used to cover additional education expenses up to the cost-of-attendance budget determined by the school.

Private Loans:  Students who require additional assistance may apply for education loans through private lenders.

Applying for Federal Financial Aid

If you are a domestic student who is planning to fund your education through federal student aid, you should complete the federal aid application while applying for admission to the program. To apply, you will need to complete the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Vanderbilt University’s school code is 003535.

If you have questions about tuition and financial aid options, do not hesitate to contact  Vanderbilt's Financial Aid Office .

M.S. in Computer Science Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $2,349 per credit. The M.S. in computer science program consists of 30 credits, so you can expect to pay at least $70,470 in total tuition.* 

*Tuition rates are set by the Board of Trust for the academic year and are subject to change.  Please visi t https://www.vanderbilt.edu/stuaccts/fees/index.php to lear n more.

Domestic students may be eligible for a Vanderbilt University program scholarship of up to $25,000.

• Student Health Insurance Fee | $3,928/annually**  

International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Applicants page for more details regarding fees and tuition payments. 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Most graduate-level students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year. This federal loan does not require you to demonstrate financial need and is not income-based.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan: Graduate students can apply for this credit-based federal loan in addition to the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. If approved, the Graduate PLUS Loan can be used to cover additional education expenses up to the cost-of-attendance budget determined by the school.

Private Loans: Students who require additional assistance may apply for education loans through private lenders.

If you are a domestic student who is planning to fund your education through federal student aid, you should complete the federal aid application while applying for admission to the program. To apply, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Vanderbilt University’s school code is 003535.

If you have questions about tuition and financial aid options, do not hesitate to contact Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office.

Vanderbilt Engineering Online FAQs

What is my Vanderbilt User Account? Your user account is your VUNetID. This will allow access to student services, your VU email, and your YES (Your Enrollment Services) portal.

How do I set up my VUNetID and Password? The University Registrar will begin the process by sending a message to your personal email account within two weeks following payment of your matriculation fee. The subject line of the email is “Invitation to Vanderbilt University”. Check your Spam or Junk email folder for missing emails from Vanderbilt University. Your VUNetID and Access Code should pre-populate. You may start the claim process by visiting the  VU Information Technology page.

How do I set up my Vanderbilt email address? Your Vanderbilt email address is the official address for communications from the Dean’s Office, the Department Chair, the Program Director, all course professors, Office of Student Account, Office of Student Financial Aid, and our Student Success team. You can forward your mail from this address to any email address you wish to use.

After you officially enroll at Vanderbilt University, you will receive an email to create your VUNetID. To begin the account claim process, click on the link in your “Invitation to Vanderbilt” email.

What is YES? Your Enrollment Services – YES – account includes access to academic records, billing, financial aid, direct deposit set up, and more. You will need your VUNetID and Password to log into YES – yes.vanderbilt.edu.

How much does the Vanderbilt Engineering program cost?

Tuition is based on the number of credits for which you register. Current tuition rates can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid sections of our website. 

• Online M.Eng Tuition and Financial Aid
• Online M.S. in Computer Science Tuition and Financial Aid

Are there additional fees?

A health insurance fee, online student services fee , and online student health fee are charged each semester. The full schedule of tuition and fees can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid sections of our website. International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Applicants page for more information regarding additional fees.

Can any fees be waived for online students? You may request the health insurance fee to be waived by contacting Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk organization . The waiver must be completed each semester in order to waive the fee. International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Applicants page for more information regarding fees. 

How much is the enrollment deposit? There is a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit (which is applied to tuition)

Can I use financial aid to cover the deposit? No, federal student aid cannot be used to pay the deposit.

When will I receive a tuition bill and when is payment due? The Vanderbilt Office of Student Accounts will send an E-Bill to students the first of each month. Tuition is due at the end of that month. Once enrolled in courses, students can access these e-bills via the YES (Your Enrollment Services) billing portal.

How do I view my bill? E-bills   will be emailed to your Vanderbilt email address. You may access your online invoices from your  YES   landing page. Once a student has signed in to YES , invoices may be viewed under the Billing Portal link.

What are the accepted forms of payment? There are multiple  payment methods available . International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Applicants page  for more information regarding international payment methods. 

How does my employer go about paying the school? Third party invoicing and payments   might include employers, corporations, outside organizations or State Prepaid Tuition Plans. International applicants are encouraged to visit the International Applicants page  for more information regarding international payment methods. 

When are tuition and fees due? Payment deadlines  are included on the E-bill. Please view the bill upon email notification.

What is the process for a refund, if I’m eligible? The  refund process  is automated. Students are encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit. This may be done through  the student’s YES portal .

What is the Title IV Authorization? By completing the Title IV Authorization, found in YES, Vanderbilt can apply your federal aid to all your charges, such as medical insurance, parking fines and other miscellaneous charges.

Who can I contact at Vanderbilt for billing and payment questions? For billing and payment questions, contact Student accounts by email at  [email protected] or by phone at 615-322-6693 .

*Please note, only domestic students are eligible.

Are scholarships offered for the engineering management M.Eng. program? All domestic students admitted to the online M.Eng. in engineering management program in Summer 2024 or Fall 2024 will be automatically considered for a $20,000 scholarship. This scholarship is not renewable since it is applied to credits taken each term. Students are limited to using the $20,000 scholarship for only 5-6 terms. (If you take longer in the program, additional money will not be awarded.). Students are also encouraged to seek outside assistance. Visit the resource page  on the Office of Student Financial Aid website.

Are scholarships offered for the computer science M.S. program?

All domestic students admitted to the online M.S. in computer science program in Summer 2024 or Fall 2024 will be automatically considered for a $25,000 scholarship. This scholarship is not renewable since it is applied to credits taken each term. Students are limited to using the $25,000 scholarship for only 5-6 terms. (If you take longer in the program, additional money will not be awarded.). Students are also encouraged to seek outside assistance. Visit the resource page  on the Office of Student Financial Aid website.

Is financial aid available for Vanderbilt Engineering Online programs?

Yes,  Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and the Direct Graduate PLUS Loans   are available to eligible students.

How do I apply for Federal Direct loans? Step 1: Complete the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Step 2: Complete   Entrance Counseling . Step 3: Submit the  Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN)   in order for your loans to disburse. Step 4: Evaluate your need for additional funding such as the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, which is a credit-based loan. You can apply for the Graduate PLUS loan on the   Federal Student Loans page   and complete the separate MPN and credit request for that loan.

How will I receive my financial aid award letter? Students who are admitted to the program and have completed the FAFSA will receive an award notification letter by mail. This may take up to 5 – 7 business days from the time you submitted your FAFSA. Students who pay their enrollment deposit and set up their Vanderbilt VUNetID will view their financial aid offers and/or award revisions through YES. The  Financial Aid link in YES  contains your aid offer, cost of attendance (COA), financial aid checklist(s), and anticipated aid disbursement information.

Below are step-by-step instructions to view your Financial Aid Awards in the YES portal:

1. Once logged into the YES portal, students will see the below image and should click on “Financial Aid”.

2. Next, the student should select the correct academic year to view.

3. Then click “Awards”, which will provide a breakdown of the student’s financial aid package by the year and then by term.

When my financial aid award letter is added to YES, will I receive an email to my Vanderbilt email address notifying me? Yes students will receive an award notification via email when their award is available to view in the YES student portal. This email is sent to their Vanderbilt email address.

When should I complete the FAFSA? The  FAFSA   is available every October 1st for the upcoming academic year which begins with the August (fall) semester. New students planning to use federal student aid should complete a FAFSA while applying for admission. Continuing students will need to submit a FAFSA each year they plan to receive federal student aid. For additional information on which FAFSA to complete  visit the VU Financial Aid Website   for How to Apply.

Do I need to complete the FAFSA each year? Yes. Because eligibility for federal student aid does not carry over from one award year to the next, you will need to complete the FAFSA for each award year for which you are or plan to be a student.

Will I be able to view my financial aid award package before submitting the deposit? It depends on timing. Financial aid processing can take around five to seven business days after you have been admitted and completed the FAFSA. If you are admitted days prior to your start date, you may not have access to your award letter.

Are there academic requirements I must meet to receive financial aid? Students must maintain  Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)  to continue receiving financial aid.

How do I determine if the Master of Science in Computer Science at the Graduate School is full-time? Fall and Spring Semesters:  Students must be enrolled for at least 9 hours. This constitutes full-time enrollment. Summer Session:  Students must be enrolled for at least 6 hours. This constitutes half-time enrollment. Full-time enrollment is 9 hours.

How do I determine if a professional program at the School of Engineering (e.g. Master of Engineering in Engineering Management) is full-time? Fall Spring and Summer Semesters:  Students must be enrolled for at least 9 hours. This constitutes full-time enrollment.

What is the minimum number of credits required to receive federal student aid? Students must be registered for a minimum of 6 credits for Fall and Spring terms and 3 credits for Summer in order to be eligible for federal student aid. Engineering Management students are also eligible for federal student aid in terms they are enrolled in Capstone experience courses.

How do I accept my financial aid award? Once the appropriate loan applications are completed the Office of Student Financial Aid will process the loan at the amount indicated on the award package. Students need to actively decline or request a reduction in loans by emailing [email protected].

Am I required to accept the full amount that I am offered on my award letter? No, students are encouraged to borrow as little as possible. Students may email [email protected] to reduce or decline their loans.

Does my Direct Loan eligibility cover the entire cost of the program? Assuming the student is eligible for both the Direct Unsubsidized loan and the Direct Graduate PLUS loan, the student may borrow for tuition and fees in full for the current academic year.

How soon will loans disburse to my student account? Loans are disbursed a week after classes start, after it has been verified the student has attended class.

Will students receive a loan disbursement each term? Students may receive loans for each term they are enrolled at least half time

Can I use loans to cover additional expenses (housing, books, supplies, etc.,)? The total cost of attendance (COA) for the academic year includes tuition, fees, living expenses. If the student has eligibility for additional loan funds based on the COA, the student is able to use those resources to cover expenses such as books, supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Who can I contact at Vanderbilt for financial aid questions? For questions regarding financial aid at Vanderbilt, please contact [email protected] .

If I have sent an email, when should I expect to receive a response from the Financial Aid Office? During peak times, students should allow at least 3-4 business days for a response. During normal time periods, allow at least 2 business days.

Are private loans offered at Vanderbilt? Lenders offer  private alternative student loan programs   with different rates, fees, repayment terms, and approval requirements.  Vanderbilt provides a search tool, FASTChoice , which is a historical list of private lenders other VU students have used.

Is there a federal aggregate loan limit? The aggregate loan limit for all federal loans , including undergraduate and graduate study, is $138,500. In addition to borrowing limitations based on the cost of attendance for the program, students are also limited in terms of lifetime borrowing.

If the total loan amount you receive over the course of your education reaches the aggregate loan limit, you are not eligible to receive additional loans. However, if you repay some of your loans to bring your outstanding loan debt below the aggregate loan limit, you could then borrow again, up to the amount of your remaining eligibility under the aggregate loan limit. You can  learn more about graduate annual loan limits   on the Federal Student Aid website.

How do I find out if I am near my aggregate loan limit or have defaulted on a federal student loan? Log in on the StudentAid.gov  homepage to view your federal student loan borrowing history and loan servicer details . Please note that private education loans are not listed on this site. Students in default are not eligible for additional federal loans. Contact your lender for default resolution options.

What is the difference between a Direct Unsubsidized Loan and a Direct Subsidized loan? Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans while students are enrolled in their undergraduate program. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to undergraduate and graduate students and does not require demonstration of financial need. The Unsubsidized Loan begins accruing interest as soon as funds are disbursed.  Learn more about the difference between unsubsidized and subsidized loans .

What is the current Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate? The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate is determined on an annual basis.  Learn more about interest rates  on the Federal Student Aid website.

Are there any additional loan fees for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan? There is a loan origination fee that is a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan origination fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive.  Information on Unsubsidized loan origination fees  can be found on the Interest Rates and Fees page of the Federal Student Aid website.

What is the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan? The Direct Graduate PLUS loan is a federal loan that graduate or professional degree students can use to help pay education expenses in addition to the Direct Unsubsidized Loan.  Learn about Direct PLUS Loans .

Do Federal Direct PLUS Loans affect my aggregate loan limit? Only Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans and prior Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program count toward your aggregate loan limit.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan? A credit check will be conducted when applying for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. In addition to the federal student aid eligibility criteria, applicants cannot have an adverse credit history.

What are my options if I’m denied the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan? If you are denied the Graduate PLUS loan, you may reapply with an endorser or follow  instructions on the Department of Education’s website   to appeal the denial.

How much can I borrow from the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan? If approved for the Grad PLUS Loan, you can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. The cost of attendance includes tuition and fees, and allowances for indirect expenses like books, supplies, and living expenses.

What is the Graduate PLUS Loan current interest rate? The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan interest rate is determined at the beginning of each academic year, and is available on the  Federal Student Aid website’s Interest Rates and Fees page .

Are there any additional loan fees for the Graduate PLUS Loan? There is a loan origination fee that is a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan origination fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive. Information on Graduate PLUS Loan origination fees can be found on the   Interest Rates and Fees page of the Federal Student Aid website .

Do I have to repay my student loans while I’m in school? You are not required to pay your student loans while you are in school as long as you are enrolled at least half-time. Your unsubsidized loan will go into repayment six months after you graduate, fall below half-time status, take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program.

When do I have to repay my loan? After you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month grace period before you are required to begin repayment. During this period, you’ll receive repayment information from your loan servicer, and you will be notified of your first payment due date. Payments are usually due monthly. You are not required to pay while in school, however if you choose to, there is no penalty to prepay.  Learn more about repayment timelines .

What are the repayment plan options and how do I select one? The Department of Education (DOE) offers multiple options for repayment. You may visit the DOE website for   more information on loan repayment plans .

Can I consolidate my graduate loans and my undergraduate loans? A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to consolidate (combine) multiple federal education loans into one loan including both graduate and undergraduate loans. The result is a single monthly payment instead of multiple payments.  Learn more about loan consolidation .

Are there any loan forgiveness options available? Please review the Department of Education website for   more information on federal loan forgiveness programs .

How do I apply for VA educational benefits? Prospective students should request a certificate of eligibility (COE) from the VA at  (888) 442-4551  or  Apply for Benefits Online . If approved, the COE will list the remaining entitlement of the eligible individual and the ending date of the individual’s eligibility.

NOTE: Applicants for the Master of Engineering degree in Engineering Management should reach out to the VA School Certifying Officials at [email protected] for further information.

What are current rates of benefits? Current rates of benefits  are available on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Because Vanderbilt University is a private university, students who receive Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits are subject to a maximum tuition and fee reimbursement per academic year (August 1 through July 31). The amount of the national cap changes each year on August 1. The amount of funds that are available on August 1 can be used from August 1 to July 31 of the following year. When VA benefits are calculated, the amount of this national cap must be expended before Yellow Ribbon Program benefits can be awarded. Because VA federal regulations are always evolving, it is not possible for a VA school certifying official to estimate the exact amount of VA educational benefits that a student will receive.

How does the Yellow Ribbon Program work at the Graduate School and the School of Engineering? Vanderbilt University does not limit the number of students in the Yellow Ribbon Program in each school. The Graduate School and the School of Engineering award yellow ribbon funds up to $6,000 based on unmet need.

How are Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits calculated at Vanderbilt? Please see examples available at this link .

How do I determine if the Master of Science in Computer Science at the Graduate School is full-time? Fall and Spring Semesters: Students must be enrolled for at least 9 hours. Summer Session: Students must be enrolled for at least 6 hours.

How do I determine if a professional program at the School of Engineering (e.g. Master of Engineering in Engineering Management) is full-time? Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters:  Students must be enrolled for at least 9 hours.

Are the Vanderbilt Engineering Online programs considered to be a distance program? Yes, these online classes are certified as distance classes.

How is my Post-9/11 GI Bill® monthly housing allowance calculated? If you have specific questions about your monthly housing allowance, we recommend using the Submit a Question feature at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill . Because the VA pays the monthly housing allowance directly to students receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, the VA has informed our office that, due to federal privacy laws, they are unable to share specific information about a student’s monthly housing allowance with the school certifying official.

Are the Online Student Services and Student Health Fees and health insurance fees covered by VA educational benefits? The Online Student Services and Student Health Fees and health insurance fees are not covered by VA educational benefits. However, these fees would be included in veterans’ financial aid packages. Veterans who are employed and can provide proof of health insurance coverage may request the health insurance fee to be waived by contacting Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk organization .

What documents are required for the VA file?

• A copy of the most recent Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued to the student.
• A  MEMBER 4  copy of the DD-214 documents (the service member’s discharge papers).
• Transcripts from all previous institutions (required even if veterans’ educational benefits were not used at the other institution).
• Joint Services Transcript (JST), Air University Transcript, and/or Community College of the Air Force Transcript (if a transcript has been issued to the veteran).
• Students who have previously used veterans’ educational benefits at another institution must file a  Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (VA Form 22-1995)   to list Vanderbilt University as your new school.

What is the deadline to apply for VA education benefits? In order to expedite the processing of VA education benefits, it is recommended that students who wish to use VA education benefits adhere to the following deadlines.

• Fall semester:  Submit all required documents by  July 1 .
• Spring semester:  Submit all required documents by  November 1 .
• Summer semester:  Submit all required documents by  March 1 .

Students who cannot provide all documents by these deadlines should consult with a VA School Certifying Official in the Office of the University Registrar prior to the deadline.

Due to the extended processing time of the VA, it is not recommended that students rely on VA payments to arrive prior to Vanderbilt’s payment deadline. We suggest that all students have a plan to cover their expenses until VA education benefits are paid. The VA can take as long as 6-8 weeks to process certifications for VA education benefits.

Who can I contact? Questions regarding the certification of VA educational benefits should be directed to one of the VA School Certifying Officials in the Office of the University Registrar at [email protected] . This will enable the first person who is available to respond.

Questions regarding remaining eligibility should be directed to the VA at   (888) 442-4551 .

How do I qualify for a tuition tax credit? For detail on tax benefits for education, see  IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education , which provides detailed information. Vanderbilt University is unable to provide tax advice. We urge you to contact your tax advisor or the IRS at   800-829-1040  or www.irs.gov if you have any questions regarding the HOPE or Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.

What is the 1098-T Form? It is an informational form filed with the Internal Revenue Service to report the amounts paid by you for qualified tuition, related expenses, and other related information. The primary purpose of the IRS Form 1098‐T is to inform you that we have provided this required information to the IRS.

What information is included in the 1098-T Form? Form 1098-T reports amounts paid for qualified tuition, scholarship and grants processed during the calendar year to students enrolled in courses at Vanderbilt University for which they receive academic credit. The information reported on the 1098-T form helps students evaluate whether he or she is eligible for an educational tax credit.

How do I obtain my 1098-T Form? Instructions for obtaining your 1098-T form   can be found here.

Will my diploma or transcript indicate I completed the program online? Vanderbilt Engineering Online students receive the same degree as students in the campus program. Transcripts and diplomas do not indicate the method by which the degree was earned.

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• Requirements
• M.Eng. Tuition and Financial Aid
• M.S. Tuition and Financial Aid
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Begin Your Application to the Vanderbilt Engineering Online Program Today!

Vanderbilt Engineering Online Events

Our admissions team hosts various events to help prospective students learn more about our programs. Our live webinars are held on the online platform, allowing you to experience the online classroom firsthand.

During these sessions, you can learn more about topics such as program curricula or the student experience. You may also have the opportunity to ask faculty members or admissions representatives your questions.

To register for a webinar, choose an upcoming session below:

T​​here are currently no events scheduled. Events are added regularly, so please check back soon .

Take a Virtual Tour

You may request a one-on-one virtual tour of the online learning platform with an admissions counselor. To schedule a tour, please contact an admissions counselor at   [email protected] .

Our  admissions team hosts various events to help prospective students learn more about our programs. 

During these live sessions, you can learn more about topics such as program curricula or the student experience. You may also have the opportunity to ask faculty members or admissions representatives your questions.

Online Master's in Computer Science Program Webinar

• Date: Wednesday, May 29 at 6:30 CT
• Topic: Gain insights about Vanderbilt University's online M.S. program from Program Director Dana Zhang in our online master of computer science webinar. Explore admissions requirements, learn about program highlights and online learning details and engage in a Q&A to determine if the program is the right fit for you.
• Register: Please register here .

Get In Touch With Us

Meet Our Team

• OVPRI Organizational Chart

Padma Raghavan, Ph.D.

Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and Chief Research Officer Senior Advisor to the Chancellor Distinguished Professor of Computer Science For appointments, please contact Alex Hargett at [email protected] .

Padma Raghavan serves as the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and holds the title of Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at Vanderbilt University. She is instrumental in shaping the university's research landscape, overseeing a broad range of initiatives from technology transfer to long-term strategic partnerships with industry and government. Notable collaborations include Ancora Innovation with Deerfield Management and the Pathfinder project with the U.S. Army. Prior to Vanderbilt, she made significant contributions at Penn State, where she was the Associate Vice President for Research and the founding Director of the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences.

In her academic role, Raghavan specializes in high-performance computing, focusing on developing algorithms for scalable, fault-tolerant, and energy-efficient computing. She is the recipient of prestigious accolades including the National Science Foundation’s CAREER award. She's been elevated to Fellow status in both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In 2022, she was appointed to the President’s Committee on the National Medal of Science, affirming her influence in the scientific community.

Vanessa Allwardt, PMP, CSM

Senior Manager for Executive & Strategic Research Projects [email protected] 615-635-8484

As the senior manager for executive and strategic research projects at Vanderbilt University's Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, Vanessa Allwardt drives strategic initiatives and supports high-level research strategy. Before joining in 2022, she managed over $70 million in complex R&D projects and led interdisciplinary research teams. Born in Germany, Allwardt moved to Nashville in 2004 and started at Vanderbilt in 2007 as an undergraduate researcher. She holds an A.A.S. in biotechnology and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

Alan Bentley, M.S.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property Development [email protected] 615-343-2430

Bentley joined CTTC in June 2011 and is responsible for directing all aspects of the office, focusing on faculty service and transactional efficiency. Prior to Vanderbilt, Bentley served for five years as the director of commercialization for Cleveland Clinic Innovations, that health care center’s technology commercialization function. Before the Cleveland Clinic, he served as the associate director of the University of Virginia’s Patent Foundation. Bentley received his M.S. in physics from the University of Virginia, and separate undergraduate degrees in electrical engineering and in physics from Carnegie Mellon University. Bentley is a registered patent agent and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of University Technology Managers.

Jennifer Bischoff, CPA, MAcc

Executive Director for Research Operations [email protected] 615-343-4798

As the Executive Director for Research Operations in Vanderbilt University's Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, Jennifer Bischoff oversees operational, financial, and administrative activities. She plays a crucial role in developing centers and institutes reporting to the Vice Provost. Before her current role, she held various leadership positions in financial administration at Vanderbilt since 2006. With over 20 years of experience in business management and financial operations, she earned her Master of Accountancy from Belmont University and a BA in Economics and Psychology from Vanderbilt.

Laurie Cutting, Ph.D.

Associate Provost [email protected]

Laurie E. Cutting is the Associate Provost at Vanderbilt, where she aims to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and boost Vanderbilt's position in ARPA-H projects. A distinguished scholar in neuroscience and child development, she also serves as the Associate Director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Prior to Vanderbilt, Cutting was an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins in both Neurology and Education. She has received numerous accolades including an NIH MERIT Award in 2018 and has contributed over 150 scholarly publications. Her role also involves promoting innovation, commercialization, and industry partnerships.

Alex Hargett, BSHS, MBA

Executive Assistant [email protected]

Alex Hargett joined OVPRI as the Executive Assistant to Vice Provost Padma Raghavan in March 2024. In her role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the office, providing comprehensive administrative support, managing communications, and coordinating schedules. Prior to joining Vanderbilt University, Alex served as an executive assistant within the healthcare and higher education sectors in Memphis, where she expertly balanced the administrative demands of multiple executives simultaneously.

Jane Hirtle, Ph.D., M.S.

Assistant Provost for Research Strategy [email protected] 615-343-1343

As chief-of-staff for Vanderbilt's Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, Jane Hirtle coordinates strategic activities, and leads research communications. She focuses on implementing the office’s vision and enhancing Vanderbilt’s research reputation. Hirtle also fosters collaborations with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Prior to her current role, she managed Vanderbilt's Undergraduate Medical Education evaluation team. A triple Vanderbilt alumna with a Ph.D. in psychology, her expertise includes cognitive development in infancy. With over a decade at Vanderbilt, she has diverse experience in research, administration, and education.

Cara Ince, M.A.

Director of Research and Innovation Public Partnerships [email protected] 615-343-2347

Nashville native and Vanderbilt alum, Care Ince, specializes in enhancing research and innovation collaborations between Vanderbilt and public sector leaders. Ince coordinates with key university units to identify and advance projects that align with government priorities and address community needs. Prior roles include serving as director of federal grants for Congressman Jim Cooper, Tennessee State Parks partnership director, and director of community relations at Conexion Americas. Her work focuses on creating synergies to benefit Nashville and Tennessee communities.

Jean Mercer, M.R.A.

Senior Assistant Provost for Sponsored Programs Administration and Compliance [email protected] 615-343-4390

As senior assistant provost, Jean Mercer oversees an expansive portfolio within Sponsored Programs Administration including grant proposal submission and non-financial award set-up, negotiation and management of contracts and subawards, research administration systems reporting, and training and procedures. Additionally, Mercer oversees Research Integrity and Compliance functions. With over 25 years in research administration, she is a certified research administrator and active contributor to national conversations in the field. Mercer holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Colorado and a master's in research administration from the University of Central Florida. She started her career at Indiana University, where she worked for 20 years, eventually becoming their director of grant services.

Hilda McMackin, Ph.D.

Director, Research Administration Systems and Reporting [email protected] 615-875-2716

As Director of Research Administration Systems and Reporting, Hilda McMackin led the transition to the Vanderbilt Electronic Research Administration (VERA) system, aiming to streamline research administration. With a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from Vanderbilt, she has diverse roles within the university, including lab management and grants oversight. She joined the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation in 2017, where she launched research development programs and managed compliance activities. McMackin has worked with an array of research sponsors and is an active member in the research administration community. In 2023, she won the National Organization of Research Development Professionals mentoring award.

Liane Moneta-Koehler, Ph.D.

Assistant Provost for Research Integrity and Compliance [email protected] 615-322-2875

As Assistant Provost for Research Integrity and Compliance at Vanderbilt, Liane Moneta-Koehler oversees the Research Integrity and Compliance Program. She collaborates with various departments to enhance Vanderbilt's research integrity and accountability, helps faculty navigate policies, and mitigates institutional risk. She also serves as the export control officer and facilitates Vanderbilt's partnership with the U.S. Army. Previously a director in the Office of the Vice Provost and a postdoctoral fellow, Moneta-Koehler holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and Human Development and has expertise in math cognition and doctoral student success.

David A. Owens, Ph.D.

Professor for the Practice of Management and Innovation Evans Family Executive Director, The Wond’ry Innovation Center [email protected] 615-322-2673

David A. Owens is the Evans Family Executive Director of The Wond’ry, Vanderbilt's Innovation Center, and Professor of the Practice of Innovation at Owen Graduate School. With multidisciplinary appointments across Vanderbilt, he is a leading authority on innovation. Owens earned his PhD and BS from Stanford and is a Registered Professional Engineer. He has extensive industry experience, including as CEO of Griffin Technology and consultant for major firms like NASA and LEGO. His book "Creative People Must Be Stopped" serves as the basis for a popular MOOC, and he sits on various corporate boards.

Herschel Pollard, M.S.

Research Communications and Events Manager [email protected] 615-343-7995

Herschel Pollard, a strategic communicator and Nashville native is a journalism graduate from The University of Tennessee. He began his career in digital journalism with WTVF, earning two Emmy awards. After completing his master's, he transitioned to strategic communications, working at the Healthcare Solutions Group and later at Vanderbilt University Medical Center as a senior strategy consultant. In his current role, Pollard focuses on enhancing Vanderbilt’s research and innovation reputation through comprehensive communications, events, and strategic collaborations.

Christian Presley, MEng

Executive Director of ACCRE [email protected]

Christian  has spent the past 25 years supporting higher education and research computing. For 13 years he led IT and Research Computing for the Institute for  Bio science and  Bio technology Research, a joint research institute between multiple University of Maryland colleges, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). There he championed the growth of computing as a partner to science and research by working hand in hand with researchers to develop high performance computing (HPC), large scale parallel storage, software tools, and websites. His most recent work involved leading  the launch of the newest supercomputing cluster for the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at NIH. At NIH, he opened up the computing environment tools beyond traditional HPC to include 3D accelerated remote workstations and 'white glove' service of scientific instrumentation.  Christian  is originally from Nashville and attended Hume-Fogg Academic HS and excited to be back at Vanderbilt where he got his first taste of higher education as high school student. He has a BS in Computer Engineering from Brigham Young University and a Masters of Engineering in Project Management from the University of Maryland. In a former life, he was a competitive ballroom dancer. 

Joanne Spitz, M.A., C.R.A

Executive Director, Research Development and Support [email protected] 615-343-8949

Joanne Spitz is the Director of Research Development at Vanderbilt University, responsible for enhancing faculty research funding. With over 30 years of experience, she previously elevated grant initiatives at Baylor University and spent 32 years in various research roles at Washington University in St. Louis. Spitz is a Certified Research Administrator and holds degrees from St. Louis University and Washington University. She coordinates with multiple departments to support Vanderbilt’s research aims and has a history of establishing successful grant programs. She has also worked as a freelance academic editor for over 15 years.

Christopher Rowe, M.E., Ed. D.

Executive Director for Industry Collaborations [email protected] 615-343-0348

Christopher Rowe is executive director for industry collaborations in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, working on the Vice Provost’s team and with the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization. He leads the institution’s efforts to create and expand mutually beneficial industry research collaborations that advance strategic scientific programs, solves industry-relevant research and development challenges, and provides channels to deploy and commercialize new technologies of substantial societal impact. He holds faculty appointments in engineering management and communication of science and technology. Prior to his current role, he served as associate dean for external relations, communications director, and inaugural faculty director for the A. James Clark Scholars Program in the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. Professor Rowe has authored scholarly papers on first-year engineering education, tech-based entrepreneurship, global engineering education and commercialization strategies for new technologies. He has held leadership positions in the American Society for Engineering Education; is a member of the American Society for Engineering Management, the Council of Engineering Management Academic Leaders, and the Association of University Technology Managers; and completed ABET’s Institute for the Development of Excellence in Assessment Leadership. He holds degrees in biomedical engineering and management of technology from the Vanderbilt School of Engineering and a doctorate in higher education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. He has consulted with a wide range of engineering companies, focusing on high-tech startups developing commercialization strategies.

Jason Valentine, Ph.D.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Faculty Liaison [email protected] 615-875-5508

Professor Jason Valentine is a mechanical engineering faculty at Vanderbilt University, specializing in optical metamaterials and hot electron devices. A Purdue and UC Berkeley alum, his work was named one of Time Magazine's "Top 10 Scientific Discoveries in 2008." He has received the NSF CAREER Award, the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award, and the Chancellor’s Award for Research at Vanderbilt. As faculty liaison, he collaborates with Vanderbilt faculty and leadership to align research priorities between the university and ORNL.

Elizabeth J. Zechmeister, Ph.D.

Associate Provost for Research and Innovation [email protected] 615-322-5016

Elizabeth J. Zechmeister is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Political Science and Director of the LAPOP Lab at Vanderbilt University. As associate provost, she facilitates human subjects and global research. A leading expert in international survey research, she oversees the AmericasBarometer and the global Comparative Study of Electoral Systems project. Her work has garnered major grants and the Earl Sutherland Prize for Achievement in Research. An acclaimed educator, Zechmeister has won multiple teaching and mentoring awards and engages students through innovative programs like the LAPOP Fellows immersion and a summer REU program.

Ph.D. Programs

Join what is arguably the nation’s most highly qualified cadre of graduate students exploring issues in K-12 education, special education, higher education, leadership and policy, the psychological sciences, educational neuroscience, and applied community studies.

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Peabody's doctor of philosophy programs follow the master-apprentice model of scholarly training and are designed to prepare the next generation of researchers and scholars studying education and human development.

Program Model Overview

The Ph.D. is geared toward scholars who seek careers as faculty, researchers, or policy analysts. You will engage in research projects designed by academic advisers and study with leading researchers in the nation examining pressing questions in education and human development. As a student, you will develop a comprehensive set of methodological skills and will spend considerable effort crafting and shaping a program of research to launch your academic career. 

Entry into Peabody's Ph.D. programs is highly competitive. Candidates must present an academic record of distinction and a mature and insightful statement of purpose. 

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Application Deadline: December 1

Psychological Sciences

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Bobby Bodenheimer

Associate professor of computer science associate professor of electrical engineering director, undergraduate studies, computer science.

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Why Have Venture Capitalists Become So Founder-Friendly?

May 14, 2024, 9:46 AM

Companies backed by venture capitalists (“VCs”) have a disproportionate influence on our economy; they provide funding to less than 0.25% of new businesses but more than 47% of US companies that went public between 1995 and 2018 were venture backed. VCs chart the course of innovation by taking the concept of risk vs. reward to the extreme, assuming massive risks to achieve outsized rewards.

Historically, VCs have mitigated risk through active governance – taking seats on the boards of their portfolio companies, staggering investments over multiple rounds, and replacing founders with outside executives when companies begin to scale. They do this, according to scholars, to account for adverse selection and moral hazard. Founders know more about their company’s prospects than a VC, and they may operate their company for their own benefit.

That strategy appears to have changed in recent years, to the extent that VCs choices can no longer be explained by scholars’ traditional, “monitoring” models of VC governance. Founders are more likely to control their boards and own larger shares of equity. They hold onto CEO positions for longer as well; some VCs have gone so far as to implement no-removal policies. What happened?

“ Risk-Seeking Governance ,” a paper co-authored by Brian Broughman at Vanderbilt Law School and Matthew Wansley at Cardozo School of Law, offers an explanation for this sea-change, along with a new “risk-seeking” model for VC behavior.

“We are motivated by a fact that is universally acknowledged but not fully appreciated: The returns to venture investing follow a power law,” the authors write.

Incentivizing Risk to Maximize Potential Returns

The most successful VC firms generate more skewed returns, with more failures but one or two companies that provide exponential returns on investment. Generating skewed returns is not simply a matter of deal selection, but also impacts how such firms are governed after investment.

To incentivize the necessary level of risk-taking, VCs have adopted a “founder-friendly” posture, offering founders larger returns on successful exits, greater job security, more control, and soft landings in the event of failure. Certain behaviors have remained in the VC playbook, but the rationale has shifted; VCs purchase preferred stock not only to mitigate losses in the event of a company’s failure, but also to reward founders who are willing to take big risks.  VCs are increasingly competing on non-price dimensions.  When bargaining with a risk-averse founder, VCs who have cultivated a founder-friendly reputation have a competitive advantage.

The authors factor these nonprice considerations into a model that “helps explain why startups increasingly pursue high-risk strategies.” Founders react to this new form of governance by accelerating growth through “blitzscaling” (hiring candidates without vetting them, bringing unfinished products to market), expanding operations at a loss, predatory pricing, and even selling illegal products with the hope that widespread adoption will force a change in the law.

“Risk-Seeking Governance” details the authors’ risk-seeking model, contrasting it with the historic “monitor” model used by scholars to explain VC and founder behaviors. It details how this new normal contributed to several high-profile scandals involving VC-funded companies – specifically Uber, WeWork, and FTX – where VCs were unable or unwilling to prevent misbehavior by founders.

“The risk-seeking model explains that VCs behave more subversively—they skip monitoring, indulge self-dealing, and push managers to take risks. VCs and founders both get what they want out of the implicit bargain.  But other shareholders and society more generally, may be stuck bearing unbargained-for risks.”

The Effects of a Founder-Friendly Startup Ecosystem

Risk-seeking governance “seems to be working” on important fronts: institutional investors continue funding VC activity, and founders enjoy measurable benefits. Angel investors who hold equity without those benefits may raise an issue with the new state of affairs, but they can diversify their risk and, in certain circumstances, sell their shares in a secondary market. Employees with equity have fewer options to reduce their exposure to the aggressive, high-risk strategies of their employers. For society-at-large, this form of governance could be costly if it is expected to monitor the activity of private companies in lightly regulated industries.

“We doubt that there is a simple policy intervention that could harness the strengths of risk-seeking governance while curbing its excesses,” the authors conclude. “But we hope that by providing a more accurate account of how VCs behave, we have helped to illuminate the choices that we face.”

“ Risk-Seeking Governance ” is published in the Vanderbilt Law Review .

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Penn State Institute for Computational Data Sciences Associate Director Mahmut Kandemir speaks about ongoing initiatives and research using emerging technologies to better inform the future of computer science, cyberinfrastructure and more. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

ICDS associate director focuses research, initiatives on emerging technologies

May 20, 2024

Editor’s note: A version of this article was first published on P enn State News .  

By Mallorie McIlwain

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Emerging technologies using computer science, engineering and data are on the mind of Penn State Institute of Computational Data Sciences (ICDS) Associate Director Mahmut Kandemir, who is also a distinguished professor of computer science.

Kandemir has been a part of ICDS for around six years, first starting as part of the faculty council and then rising to associate director two years ago.

Currently, Kandemir is leading three initiatives within ICDS including: intelligent cyberinfrastructure using machine learning and/or artificial intelligence (AI) as a virtual adviser, quantum computing and sustainable computing.

“The main goal [of the quantum computing initiative] is to provide early innovation of quantum computing and organize practical efforts within Penn State to initiate large quantum computing proposals,” Kandemir said.

Additionally, the initiatives are using developing technologies and smart manufacturing to float sophisticated decisions to AI to see big picture conclusions and solve problems that can’t be solved with classical computers used today, according to Kandemir.

Kandemir is also working on a sustainable computing initiative looking at using and producing devices in an “energy-friendly manner,” Kandemir said.

“The computer [and other technology] is a big contributor to the carbon footprint across the world,” Kandemir said. “During the production of machines, and when using machines, we are looking at ways in which we can reduce the carbon footprint. Strong collaborations are needed with the Institute of Energy and Environment to better understand the carbon footprint concept and its impact. In particular, it's not accurate to equate energy optimization with sustainable computing. It requires new methods and methodologies.”

In sticking with ICDS’ mission, Kandemir’s sustainable computing initiative continues to enhance interdisciplinary research.

Alongside ICDS initiatives, Kandemir is working on a computer architecture research project with six computer science faculty members and 40 doctoral students.

“It’s a huge group working together and exploring many different things in the broad areas of computer architecture and compiler development,” Kandemir said. “The focus is on the storage and usage of devices, exploring new behaviors and how new computer architecture works better than the existing.”

Students are working on how to build new devices and how to accommodate them in computer systems. The students are also determining the software needed to create new versions of solid-state devices, according to Kandemir.

“The machine that you would use [after new architecture] would be a better device,” Kandemir said. “It would have faster CPUs (central processing units) and GPUs (graphics processing units); it would have better storage. That’s the kind of difference between university or industry research... at the university level, there is no limit to that research.”

The goal is to for the research to mature and be produced by larger companies within the industry. And, according to Kandemir, many of the students participating in this research are simultaneously working with companies developing devices like Nivida and Intel.

“In other words, the research [that the students are doing] is at least 10 years ahead of time,” Kandemir said. “It is what makes it more exciting in a sense, because you’re looking at things that aren’t available right now but will be [in the future] or to see what would potentially impact that time or may not happen and go in a different direction.”

Kandemir described the three most important parts of the “computer ecosystem,” as the architecture, or engineering and machine; the software, or computer science; and analysis, or data science.

“The best part of it [the research] is being able to work with great students,” Kandemir said. “Our research attracts some of the best students from all around the world. It’s enjoyable and stimulating to work with the students. It’s a very active and dynamic environment. Computer science and engineering are enabling and accelerating scientific discovery.”

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"The best part of it [the research] is being able to work with great students. Our research attracts some of the best students from all around the world. It’s enjoyable and stimulating to work with the students. It’s a very active and dynamic environment. Computer science and engineering are enabling and accelerating scientific discovery." — Mahmut Kandemir, Penn State Institute of Computational Data Sciences associate director and distinguished professor of computer science

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